Apple iPod Sale

Recently FCC documents revealed that Sprint is set to launch what appears to be a new case for the iPod Touch that would enable 3G networking on the Wi-Fi only device. Manufactured by ZTE and called the “Peel”, the case is essentially a MiFi like mobile hotspot that snaps on to an iPod Touch, giving it a network connection wherever you can get a Sprint 3G signal. The Peel has its own 3.4Whr lithium ion battery, which is good for about 40 hours of standby time – although there is no mention of how long it would last in active use, but our guess is just a few hours. In addition to giving 3G network access to an iPod Touch device, it can also connect other Wi-Fi devices. It doesn’t appear to have a limit to the number of simultaneously connected devices though. The manual submitted to the FCC suggests that this number is a configurable one, which is a bit unusual because most mobile hotspots usually limit connections to four or five. PhoneScoop also notes that the device is only cleared to operate on the slower EV-DO Rev 0 standard as opposed to the faster Rev A that most current 3G devices use.

We aren’t exactly sure what to think for the Peel. It seems that if an iPhone really appealed to you you wouldn’t have gotten an iPod Touch to begin with and the iPad targets most of the the remaining audience who would consider an iPod Touch. Depending on the pricing and data options – especially if there is a pay-as-you-go option – might be a nice complement to an iPod Touch. The added utility of being able to connect multiple devices, which is an obvious advantage over an iPhone is offset somewhat by the slower 3G speeds.

Sprint tried to attract Apple device users with a similar idea when the Wi-Fi only iPad was released, offering users a free iPad case with a pocket that would fit the carrier’s 4G / 3G Overdrive mobile hotspot. Still we are wondering if there are any iPod Touch owners excited about this news. If you are – let us know in the comments below.